looks

1. 1
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present of look.

   The detective looks for clues at every scene she visits.

   Each morning the cat looks out the window for passing birds.

   UsageWhen it means 'seems', use an adjective: she looks tired (not incorrect: looks tiredly).

   Note

   Several constructions share this one form. With at or for it is about seeing or searching, as in looks at the map or looks for clues. It can also say which way something faces, as in the house looks south.

2. 2
   nounplural

   A person's physical appearance, especially how attractive they are.

   She relied on her looks to make a strong first impression at auditions.

   Age eventually softened his rugged looks into something gentler.

   UsageUsed with a verb like are or have: her looks are striking, his looks have faded.

   Similarappearance, beauty, attractiveness, features

   Note

   It readily takes an adjective, as in good looks, rugged looks or striking looks, and good looks often sits beside charm as an asset someone has. Even with no adjective it leans toward attractiveness. Someone who relies on her looks is relying on being good-looking, not merely on having a face.

3. 3
   noun

   Plural of look.

   The actors traded knowing looks before the scene began.

   She shot the children a few sharp looks to keep them quiet.

   Note

   A countable plural: most often each look is one glance or one facial expression, so looks can be traded, exchanged or flashed across a room. Keep it apart from the 'attractiveness' noun, which is used only in the plural. In that sense her looks means how she appears, not several glances she gave. Context usually decides, and a verb like exchange or trade points firmly to glances.

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